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Golden Age Project Pre-73 MKII
Gear Lust Web Site |
 Go To The Music Connection "New Toys" Directory |
The Pre-73 (now as the MKII version) is the best price/performance unit I've seen in years. It is a copy or better yet, a modern rendition of the famed Neve 1272 microphone pre-amplifier circuit and it sells for $300 fair price. The half-rack space Pre-73 (two channels will fit side-by side) follows the original Neve in sound and circuit design with no integrated circuits in the audio path.
Like the old Neves, there are three transformers: line input, mic input and output. The same 2N3055 power transistor running in Class-A is used to drive the output transformer. Again like the Neve, the input transformer has two choices of input impedance: 300 and 1200 ohms but unlike the Neves, there is a front panel switch to switch between them, The 300 ohm position sounds excellent for old ribbon microphones that were "voiced" and made to drive lower impedances. Changing the input impedance will change the sound of most ribbons and dynamic mics.
I tried out the Pre-73 here at my Tones 4 $ Studios and was blown away at how identical it sounded compared to my Neve-based pre-amp that cost three times as much. The same "off to 80dB" rotary gain switch is there along with a variable, smooth-working Output control. There is a polarity (phase) flip button, the aforementioned input impedance switch, +48-volt phantom power on/off button and a DI on/off switch. Yes, there is also a 1/4-inch DI input jack perfect for taking guitars, synths or basses directly into the unit.
The Pre-73 is an all-pro unit that comes ready to go with a "line lump" power supply, XLR line and mic inputs, and XLR line output. I like the simple four LED output meter, the LED indicator push buttons that show from across the room, and the unit's quality of construction. Much more information at: www.goldenageproject.com
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